“Michael Carrick is not not my second captain for nothing. He is one of the best passers also, not only wide but also forward. We need midfielders who have that passing,” Van Gaal told reporters (via the Express).

“When you can also score the second goal you have a big influence in the game.”

Carrick was introduced during half-time in the defeat to Arsenal on Monday night, but his performance today shows that the former Spurs man has fully recovered from his recent injury setback.